Record-breaking numbers attend WADA Symposium as anti-doping community looks ahead to new era

More than 340 anti-doping experts from regions across the world met in Lausanne, Switzerland on March 25 and 26, for the 10th edition of WADA’s annual Symposium for Anti-Doping Organizations (ADOs).

The theme of this year’s Symposium, ‘A New Era for the Fight against Doping’ saw representatives from a wide range of ADOs – in particular International Sport Federations (IFs), National Anti-Doping Organizations (NADOs), Regional Anti-Doping Organizations (RADOs), and Major Games Organizers – discuss anti-doping strategies, as well as the implementation and practice of the 2015 World Anti-Doping Code and International Standards. Participants discussed and debated ideas through a series of presentations, roundtables and break-out discussions.

“The popularity of this Symposium continues to grow, year on year” said Frédéric Donzé, Director of WADA’s European Regional Office and IF Relations.

“This reflects not only the uniqueness of this event, but also the strong interest and willingness of anti-doping administrators to interact with each other, to share expertise, and to strengthen the level of cooperation between their organizations in order to protect clean athletes. This year’s Symposium proved to be another excellent occasion for ADOs to brainstorm strategies and to recognize the need for the anti-doping community to explore creative opportunities to work together effectively.”

Participants were welcomed by WADA’s President, Sir Craig Reedie, and Director General David Howman, who delivered introduction speeches.

During the two-day event, anti-doping experts addressed key priorities and developments in the global anti-doping environment with an emphasis on better practice. In particular, participants discussed ways to optimize their ongoing implementation, and the upcoming practice of the 2015 Code and Standards.

For much of the Symposium, the focus was on providing guidance on the practical implementation of anti-doping strategies intended to supplement current tools, including the use of investigations and intelligence, the implementation and further development of the Athlete Biological Passport, and new education tools.

Running in parallel to the Symposium, WADA’s Athlete Committee held in Lausanne its first meeting of the year and participated actively in parts of the event. This was an opportunity for the Symposium participants to interact with Athlete Committee Chair Beckie Scott and Committee Member Felipe Contepomi, who shared their experiences and views.

“The protection of clean athletes is at the heart of everything the anti-doping community does,” said WADA President Sir Craig Reedie. “Having the chance to interact with these fine athlete ambassadors over the course of two days was hugely beneficial for the participants. Their ongoing input will help us all become smarter in the way we conduct our daily work to protect the integrity of sport.”

The 2015 edition of WADA’s ADO Symposium will be held on March 24 and 25 in Lausanne.